Clifton Brown, columnist for The Sporting News, says it's possible that if the Detroit Lions pass on drafting a quarterback with the first pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez or possibly both could experience a draft-day free fall similar to Aaron Rodgers in 2005 and Brady Quinn in 2007.

March 9, The Sporting News: The Chiefs' decision raises the stakes for Stafford and Sanchez. If the Lions do not take Stafford with the No. 1 pick, he could take a long tumble. Consider that the Rams (No. 2), Chiefs (No. 3), Seahawks (No. 4), Browns (No. 5), Bengals (No. 6) and Raiders (No. 7) do not consider quarterback a top priority. Perhaps the Jaguars will take a quarterback at No. 8, especially if Stafford drops that far. But it's not inconceivable for Stafford to fall to the 49ers at No. 10.

Even the 49ers would have to think twice about drafting Stafford or Sanchez. They still are smarting from drafting Alex Smith with the No. 1-overall pick in '05. Bringing in Stafford or Sanchez would create an instant quarterback controversy, and Shaun Hill played well for the 49ers in December.

Of course, Brown doesn't expect either to be around when the Detroit Lions are set to pick again at 20.

April could bring another draft-day deal involving a quarterback. Three teams with quarterback needs have picks in the teens -- the Jets (No. 17), Bears (No. 18) and Buccaneers (No. 19). Sanchez reportedly will work out for the Jets prior to his April 1 pro day at USC. If Sanchez impresses the Jets, maybe they trade up to get him. Ditto for the Buccaneers, who already failed in an attempt to trade for the Broncos' starting quarterback, Jay Cutler.

This begs the question, if people are expecting one, if not both of these quarterbacks, to tumble on draft day, are they really worth the number one pick? Aaron Rodgers makes this question difficult to answer because thus far he looks like he should have been the 49ers' selection in 2005.

Another hypothetical question to consider: What if Stafford or Sanchez is available at 16? Is it worth it for the Lions to offer the Chargers a package of the 20th selection and the 82nd pick? Essentially, is a mid-third round pick worth snagging a potential franchise quarterback? I say yes (for the record Phil Zaroo says no), but we'd love to hear what you folks think in the comments.